Gooden (6-1, 242), however, played outside linebacker his first three seasons at the University of Miami before moving inside as a senior in 2007. He started a combined 14 games at strongside and weakside linebacker and 11 at middle linebacker in Miami’s 4-3 defense.

A third-round pick of the Ravens, he is known for his speed, coverage skills and extensive injury history.

Gooden, 26, has missed 22 of 48 games due to injury in his NFL career. He missed five games last year with a dislocated left shoulder, returned for seven games and tore a labrum in the same shoulder on Dec. 26 in a win against the Browns. In 2005, he dislocated his left shoulder in the Hurricanes’ season opener against Florida State and missed the rest of the season. He was granted a medical redshirt.

In an attempt to avoid injuries, Gooden added yoga to his offseason regimen prior to the 2010 season.

Niners defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who was a Ravens assistant during Gooden’s first two NFL seasons, will address the media later this morning.